Lawlloween is one of the biggest annual law school events hosted by the SBA. From creative costumes to spooky treats and decorations, Lawlloween is a time for everyone to unwind, connect with their peers, and show off their Halloween spirit.

However, Lawlloween has looked pretty different throughout the past few years. In 2022, Lawlloween was held at the Warner Theatre, but for the past couple of years, the event was held at different D.C. bars. There has also been widespread conversation amongst students about whether the SBA Executive team should spend a lot of its annual budget on Lawlloween, or if it should funnel that funding to other events, like Barrister’s Ball, instead. That conversation sparked this piece, and members of the Nota Bene polled event-goers to see if their experience was truly as ~spook-tacular~ as promised.

The Good, the Average, and the Costly

This year, the SBA hosted its annual Lawlloween at Clubhouse in Georgetown, a lesser-known venue that students really enjoyed. The event venue, praised by attendees for its lively two-story layout, succeeded in maintaining an upbeat atmosphere without ever feeling overcrowded. One attendee noted that Clubhouse stood out as one of the last fun havens in Georgetown, given the recent closures of other nightlife spots.

According to our survey, many students liked the venue and found that it had ample space to host a large party. While the bar’s setting was a hit, opinions were more varied when it came to refreshments. The $40 ticket included two drink tickets, a price that had many students raising their brows.

Further, according to our sources, the food, consisting of wings, fries, and quesadillas, seemed scarce for a gathering of this size. Many students said the food itself was enjoyable but highlighted that the location of the food wasn’t always apparent, leaving some partygoers searching.

Creativity on Display

Costumes and classmates undoubtedly took center stage at Lawlloween. From inventive legal-themed outfits like “short cite” to beloved characters like Shrek, Elphaba, and Mario, students brought impressive originality. The crowd, though skewed heavily toward 1Ls, included 2Ls and 3Ls who came out to join the celebration. The enthusiasm for costumes and creativity added a unique and memorable element to the evening. Ultimately, this sense of community and camaraderie is what Lawlloween is all about, and I, for one, am glad to know students’ sense of creativity and zest for fun is not lost.

A Spooky Investment?

Despite the event’s highlights, the ticket price remained a sticking point for many. The conversation continues about whether the SBA should allocate a significant portion of its budget to Lawlloween or prioritize other events that might offer broader benefits. As noted by some attendees, while Lawlloween was fun, many opted to leave afterward and continue the night at other bars, questioning if the event’s value matched its cost.

More Fun than Frights

For many 1Ls, Lawlloween was a much-anticipated event, offering a chance to meet people outside of their regular circles and enjoy a fun night away from the stress of assignments and upcoming exams. “It was a good way to see people outside of our inns and to get to know friends’ significant others without it feeling like just another campus mixer,” shared one student. For some 2Ls and 3Ls, however, the novelty appeared to wear off sooner. Overall, it seems the student sentiment was that Lawlloween was a good time, but perhaps not the ultimate Halloween bash some had anticipated.

Final Thoughts

As Lawlloween continues to evolve, the question remains: should SBA continue to allocate significant budget resources to this event, or would students benefit more from diversifying these funds across additional activities throughout the year? The 2024 event highlighted a sense of community and creativity but also posed questions about cost and the balance of investment for maximum student enjoyment. As the SBA Executive team continues to plan major events while balancing event funding with student preferences, it may be helpful to revisit the elements that students truly value. There’s clearly enthusiasm for larger school-wide events like Lawlloween, but increasing available food and drink options and reducing ticket prices could improve students’ experiences.